Social Security Closings Could Affect L.v. Offices

March 13, 1985|by TOM LOWRY, The Morning Call

If a federal plan to close hundreds of Social Security offices nationwide is implemented, the Bethlehem office may be shut downand the Allentown and Easton offices may be consolidated, according to the vice president of a local chapter of a government employees union.

Al Naveira, vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2714, said federal documents obtained last week reveal a plan to eliminate at least 300 social security offices nationally, costing more than 18,000 people their jobs.

Naveira said if the Bethlehem office, which employs 19 people, drops below a staff of 15, the facility would be closed under the Social Security Administration plan.

"A hiring freeze will probably mean it could close in the near future if normal attrition continues," he said.

W. Raymond Campbell, branch manager of the Bethlehem office, however, said he has heard "nothing at all" official about a possible closing. "All I have heard are rumors, which is unfortunate," Campbell said.

The Bethlehem office serves nearly 15,000 people, Naveira said.

The Allentown and Easton offices employ about 50 people each, Naveira said.

In addition, the plan reportedly calls for offices located within 25 miles of each other to be consolidated. That means the Bethlehem, Easton and Allentown offices would be consolidated. If Bethlehem closes, the Easton and Allentown offices would then be consolidated.

Naveira was not sure if the Reading Social Security office would also be consolidated since he was not certain if it falls within the 25-mile range.

"One unfortunate aspect often overlooked is that this isn't really saving SSA any money," Naveira said. "With less staff, more errors could occur. A one percent increase in errors translates into $1 billion a year. How can this be cost efficient?

"This is an indirect way to reduce Social Security benefits by making it harder for people to apply," he continued.

Information about SSA's plans to close offices were acquired "surreptitiousl y" last week, Naveira said, and federal workers employed with the Social Security Administration met Thursday to discuss the plan's possible effects.

The first report was prepared and signed by Martha A. McStean, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Naveira said. In the report she conceded there are several "impediments" to the plan, including adverse Congressional reaction and court-imposed standards for agency operations.

The second report obtained was signed by Nelson J. Sabatini, acting deputy commissioner for management and assessment. The report was prepared by a special group in January and outlines how McStean's goals will be implemented. The plan has been termed "cost-effective," Naveira said.

Under the plan, offices with a staff of 10 or less will be closed; offices of 11-16 will be reviewed for closing and offices of 16-25 will be consolidated, as will facilities within 25 miles of each other.

There are 1,400 Social Security offices nationwide. In Pennsylvania, there are 19 offices with under 15 employees that are on the SSA's "hit list," Naveira said. "If allowed to be fully implemented, at least one Western state would be left with just one office," he said.